PERTH, Oct 24 AAP - England allrounder Craig White has been called into the Ashes touring party as cover for the injured Andrew Flintoff.

The decision to draft the 32-year-old White reinforces fears in the England camp that Flintoff will not be fit for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on November 7.

Yorkshireman White, who has been playing grade cricket in South Australia, will fly from Adelaide to Perth tomorrow and is available for selection in next week's three-day tour match against Western Australia at the WACA ground.

Flintoff, who underwent a hernia operation only seven weeks ago, heads in the opposite direction to Adelaide tonight for intensive treatment.

In a statement England coach Duncan Fletcher said: "Craig performed well against India this (northern) summer and is now fully recovered from injury.

"He will provide us with cover in the allrounder position until Andrew Flintoff is able to return to competitive cricket."

White came over from England two and a half weeks ago to work on his fitness and play grade cricket for Adelaide CC.

He scored 118 for Adelaide at the weekend and also got through nine overs with the ball.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.